(Format : pdf , Language : English)Why do what has already been done? More than a book of patterns, The Mermaid Shawl & other Beauties, is designed to help knitters create their own works of knitted lace art. The signature shawl was introduced in 2005 on Kathleen Valentine's blog and subsequently described in a knit-along but throughout the knit-along Valentine encouraged knitters to make different choices that made their shawl unique to them. Now, using the same principles, she offers techniques, diagrams, charts and tips that allow knitters to customize each shawl for their own original work of art. The book contains instruction for three versatile shawl styles, how to turn a rectangular shawl into a cocoon, a chapter on knitting on the bias, tips and tricks, and an original short-story, The Mermaid Shawl, inspired by the signature shawl. About the Author Kathleen Valentine is the author of a collection of short stories My Last Romance and other passions and two novels, The Old Mermaid's Tale and Each Angel Burns. She has also written Fry Bacon, Add Onions: The Valentine Family &amp; Friends Cookbook - five generations of good eating, a memoir/cookbook of memories and 400 recipes from a Pennsylvania Dutch childhood, and The Mermaid Shawl &amp; other Beauties: Shawls, Cocoons and Wraps, a collection of her own lace knitting designs. Some of her short stories are available in e-format from Heart Throb Books and additional knitting patterns from Knit Your Tail Off . She currently lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, America's oldest seaport, and is writing another novel, Depraved Heart. (added by author)